Checking your governing document for recruitment rules
Every charity has its own governing document (this can also be known as a constitution). A governing document is the document (or set of documents) that sets up an organisation and says what its purposes are, but it may also contain rules for appointing new charity trustees. Look through your governing document thoroughly and find out if there are any restrictions.
Your governing document may include rules on:
- Eligibility criteria: It might specify who can or cannot be a trustee of the charity (e.g., age limits, residency requirements, or disqualification conditions).
- Number of charity trustees: There may be a set minimum or maximum number of trustees that can be in post. Please note: if your charity has a SCIO legal form, it must have at least three charity trustees even if it is not stated in the governing document.
- Appointment process: For example, who has the authority to appoint new charity trustees and whether public advertisement or open recruitment is required.
- Terms of office: How long charity trustees can serve before needing to be reappointed or step down.
- Special requirements: For example, the need for a particular skill set, lived experience, or representation from a specific community.
Charity trustees have a responsibility to review the charity’s governing document regularly.
If the recruitment section of your governing document is unclear or missing, you can contact your local Third Sector Interface (TSI) for guidance. It may be necessary for your charity to amend its governing document to reflect modern, inclusive recruitment practices. If you want to make any changes to your governing document see our Making Changes to Your Charity page. You must tell us of any changes that you make and in some cases ask for our consent first.